Just two days ago, rookie sensation Connor Bedard was revealed to be ranked no. 48 on TSN’s list of the top 50 NHL players, a week out from the regular season start. While Bedard is seen as a shoo-in for the Calder Memorial Trophy and is the most-anticipated player of the season, this ranking was hit with plenty of criticism because he has not played in a true NHL game yet. 

Throughout three preseason games, Bedard has accumulated one goal and four assists, for five total points. Along with these stats, it’s hard to forget the hat trick he scored against the St. Louis Blues at the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase just a few weeks ago. Long before Bedard’s name was called on draft day, he had proven that he has an NHL-caliber hockey prowess. His wicked release is already unmatched within the Chicago Blackhawks and the league will be put on watch come October 10th. 

The former number one overall pick has extremely high expectations to meet coming into the 2023-24 NHL season. There is not much doubt surrounding the 18-year-old that he will not only meet but exceed the expectations placed upon him. The Chicago Blackhawks are turning over a new leaf this season and it will be a fun time to watch Bedard and his team prove why he is already a member of the top 50 players in the entire league.